Get ready to revolutionize your lunch game with the most refreshing and vibrant Berry Orzo Spinach Salad that's about to become your new obsession! This isn't just another boring salad – it's a symphony of flavors that combines the delicate texture of orzo pasta, the crisp freshness of spinach, and the burst of sweet-tangy berries in one irresistible dish. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and flavor adventurers, this recipe is so easy to make that even novice cooks will feel like culinary superstars!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: orzo pasta, fresh spinach, mixed berries, feta cheese, walnuts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, 2 cups of fresh spinach, and 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries).
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts over the salad mixture.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to rinse the orzo with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- For the best flavor, use fresh, seasonal berries at the peak of ripeness.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- This salad tastes even better when the flavors have a chance to meld, so don't be afraid to prepare it a few hours in advance.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.
- If you're not a fan of feta, try substituting with goat cheese or fresh mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Always dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach leaves crisp and prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
